Keyless puck lock apparatus and system

ABSTRACT

A keyless puck lock apparatus with wireless communications and power interfaces. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a keyless puck lock system enabling a low cost and high security solution that is difficult to tamper with and defeat. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the system uses a keyless puck lock assembly that includes a hasp assembly and a keyless lock mechanism that does not require any physical mechanical keys so that it does not have a mechanical cylinder inserted therein to lock or unlock the puck lock. Accordingly, the keyless puck lock system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention does not have a physical keyway which is a security attack point that is included in conventional hockey puck-type locks.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present patent application is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/806,553 filed on Mar. 2, 2020, entitled “KEYLESSPUCK LOCK APPARATUS AND SYSTEM” and assigned to the assignee of thepresent invention, said application being a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/103,554 filed on Aug. 14, 2018, entitled“KEYLESS PUCK LOCK APPARATUS AND SYSTEM” and assigned to the assignee ofthe present invention, said application being a continuation-in-part ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/414,348 filed on Mar. 7, 2012, nowU.S. Pat. No. 10,089,811, entitled “LOCK” and assigned to the assigneeof the present invention, said application claiming the benefit of U.S.provisional application Ser. No. 61/450,185, filed on Mar. 8, 2011; eachof these applications being hereby incorporated by reference in theirentireties.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to the field of access control systems;in particular, a keyless puck lock system with a wireless communicationsand wireless power interface.

BACKGROUND

Many different types of enclosures are secured by a locking systemwherein a conventional padlock is mounted onto some sort of haspassembly to secure access to an enclosed area such as a shelter,lockbox, cargo container, refrigerators, commercial trucks, cabinet,gate, generators, trailers, etc. A non-limiting example of one such lockis known as a “hockey puck” lock or puck lock that is referred to as ahidden shackle padlock in the portable security industry. One highsecurity locking assembly includes a hockey puck lock that is mounted ona portable security hasp assembly. The hidden shackle bolt projects andretracts through the hasp to secure the hockey puck lock onto the haspwhen a user throws and retracts the bolt by turning a mechanical key tolock and unlock the lock. Mechanical keys are a disadvantage as it isdifficult to administer key control without implementing a complex keymanagement system. If a company has a significant amount of locks intheir inventory across many different locations, this key controladministration is very difficult and costly especially in the case oflost or stolen keys. It is common to have a unique key for each lockwhich creates significant maintenance issues when another person needsto open the lock.

Another disadvantage of using physical keys in a lock system is that thelevel of security is compromised by having a mechanical locking cylinderwith an opening for the key. Many security experts consider such anopening a significant security flaw in a locking system. In a lock withan opening for a mechanical key, common cylinders are easily broken intowith a standard hand drill, thereafter allowing a person to easilyrotate the shackle and unlock the lock.

Based on the current state of the art with hockey puck locking systemsand the many disadvantages associated therewith, there is a need for akeyless “smart” puck lock that provides a high level of security at arelatively low cost without any opening for a physical mechanical key.Such a smart puck lock also minimizes exposure of the components,particularly the keyway and the internal components of the lock, tomoisture or other contaminants, and minimizes corrosion or oxidation ofmetallic lock components.

There is also a need for a relatively simple, easy-to-use, reliable andcompact electronic access control puck locking portable security systemthat includes the ability to manually override the electronic lock.

There is further a need for a compact and flexible locking system thatcan be installed on many different doors that can be locked and unlockedusing an electronic device via a wireless signal.

Through applied effort, ingenuity, and innovation, Applicant hasidentified and improved a number of deficiencies and problems withwireless access control systems. Applicant has developed a solution thatis embodied by the present invention, which is described in detailbelow.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of some embodiments of theinvention in order to provide a basic understanding of the invention.This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is notintended to identify key/critical elements of the invention or todelineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to presentsome embodiments of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude tothe more detailed description that is presented later.

A keyless puck lock apparatus comprising a housing having a planar facesurface, a side wall disposed around a circumference of the planar facesurface, and a planar rear surface having a substantially oblongaperture defining a window; a locking assembly operably disposed in aninterior portion of the housing, the locking assembly comprising alocking bolt, a spring, and a bolt stop, the locking bolt extendingthrough an aperture of the side wall when configured in an unlockedposition and defining a flush interface with the aperture of the sidewall when configured in a locked position; an electronic latchingmechanism operably engaged with the locking assembly to selectivelyengage the locking bolt to define a locked state of the lockingassembly, and to selectively disengage the locking bolt to define anunlocked state of the locking assembly; an electronic control moduleoperably engaged with the electronic latching mechanism, the electroniccontrol module comprising circuitry to transmit an electrical signal tothe electronic latching mechanism, a microprocessor, and a wirelesscommunications chipset; and, a power source operably engaged with theelectronic control module and the electronic latching mechanism.

Another object of the present disclosure is a keyless puck lock systemcomprising a hasp assembly comprising a first hasp section and a secondhasp section, the first hasp section having a first hasp plate, a firstsurrounding shroud, a first bolt aperture, and a first radiofrequency/infrared (RF/IR) circuit board disposed on a proximal portionof the first hasp plate, the second hasp section having a second haspplate, a second surrounding shroud, and a second bolt aperture; and, apuck lock selectively secured to the first bolt aperture and the secondbolt aperture, the puck lock comprising a housing having a planar facesurface, a side wall disposed around a circumference of the planar facesurface, and a planar rear surface having a substantially oblongaperture defining a window; a locking assembly operably disposed in aninterior portion of the housing, the locking assembly comprising alocking bolt, a spring, and a bolt stop, the locking bolt extendingthrough an aperture of the side wall when configured in an unlockedposition and defining a flush interface with the aperture of the sidewall when configured in a locked position; an electronic latchingmechanism operably engaged with the locking assembly to selectivelyengage the locking bolt to define a locked state of the lockingassembly, and to selectively disengage the locking bolt to define anunlocked state of the locking assembly; an electronic control moduleoperably engaged with the electronic latching mechanism, the electroniccontrol module comprising circuitry to transmit an electrical signal tothe electronic latching mechanism, a microprocessor, and a wirelesscommunications chipset; and, a battery operably engaged with theelectronic control module and the electronic latching mechanism.

Yet another object of the present disclosure is a keyless puck locksystem comprising a hasp assembly comprising a first hasp section and asecond hasp section, a first wireless power interface, and a firstcommunications interface; a puck lock operably engaged with the haspassembly, the puck lock comprising a lock assembly, a control module, asecond communications interface, a second wireless power interface, anda battery; a first computing device communicably engaged with thecontrol module of the puck lock via a wireless communications network,the first computing device configured to send communications to andreceive communications from the control module of the puck lock; and, aremote server communicably engaged with the first computing device overthe wireless communications network.

The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the more pertinent andimportant features of the present invention so that the detaileddescription of the invention that follows may be better understood andso that the present contribution to the art can be more fullyappreciated. Additional features of the invention will be describedhereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the invention. Itshould be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conceptionand the disclosed specific methods and structures may be readilyutilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures forcarrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should berealized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent structures donot depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth inthe appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the presentdisclosure will be more apparent from the following detailed descriptiontaken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a system diagram of a puck lock system, according to anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a puck lock system, according to anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a hasp assembly of a puck lock system,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of a hasp assembly of a puck locksystem, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of a puck lock assembly, according toan embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of a puck lock assembly, according toan embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of a puck lock assembly, according toan embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of a puck lock assembly in an unlockedconfiguration, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a puck lock assembly, according toan embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an electronic locking assembly of apuck lock assembly, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure; and,

FIG. 11 is a functional diagram of an electronic locking assembly of apuck lock system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Exemplary embodiments are described herein to provide a detaileddescription of the present disclosure. Variations of these embodimentswill be apparent to those of skill in the art. Moreover, certainterminology is used in the following description for convenience onlyand is not limiting. For example, the words “right,” “left,” “top,”“bottom,” “upper,” “lower,” “inner” and “outer” designate directions inthe drawings to which reference is made. The word “a” is defined to mean“at least one.” The terminology includes the words above specificallymentioned, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import.

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appendeddrawings is intended as a description of presently preferred embodimentsof the invention and is not intended to represent the only forms inwhich the present invention may be constructed and or utilized.

It is to be appreciated that certain features of the invention, whichare, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, mayalso be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely,various features of the invention that are, for brevity, described inthe context of a single embodiment may also be provided separately or inany suitable sub-combination or as suitable in any other describedembodiment of the invention. Stated otherwise, although the invention isdescribed below in terms of various exemplary embodiments andimplementations, it should be understood that the various features andaspects described in one or more of the individual embodiments are notlimited in their applicability to the particular embodiment with whichthey are described, but instead can be applied, alone or in variouscombinations, to one or more of the other embodiments of the invention.

One or more embodiments of the present invention provide a keyless“smart” puck lock system that is a relatively low cost and high securitysolution that is difficult to tamper with and defeat. In the preferredembodiment of the present invention, the system uses a keyless puck lockassembly that includes a hasp assembly and a keyless lock mechanism thatdoes not require any physical mechanical keys so that it does not have amechanical cylinder inserted therein to lock or unlock the puck lock.Accordingly, the keyless puck lock system in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the present invention does not have a physical keywaywhich is a security attack point that is included in conventional hockeypuck-type locks.

In the present invention, a “hasp” is a plate generally made of metalthat may be comprised of a single piece or multiple pieces that isadapted to be fastened to an enclosure substrate (e.g., door, cover,lid, etc.) and further adapted to receive a locking mechanism forlocking entry to the enclosure. The hasp may comprise a fixedconfiguration or a hinged configuration. In a hinged configuration thehasp may pivot on an axis such that the hasp is operable to secure adoor or angled access point. According to an embodiment, a hasp having ahinged configuration may comprise either a single hinge configuration ora double hinge configuration.

FIG. 1 is an exemplary illustration of a general overview of the systemarchitecture for implementing one or more embodiments of the presentinvention. As indicated above, smart puck lock system 100 is anetwork-enabled system that is networked through a communicationsnetwork 102 via a computing device 104 to operate lock system 100.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, an exemplary method of implementing the systemarchitecture for communications network 102 is to provide one or moreinternet-enabled computing devices 104 such as a laptop or a mobiledevice such as a smartphone which are networked with one or more servers106 via a network/Internet 108 that communicates with a control module110 of lock system 100.

Servers 106 and computing devices 104 are well known and usedextensively for networking. Network/Internet 108 may be one of manyconventional, well-known network systems including those that packagedata using well-known methodologies into one of several formats (usingone or more packets) for communications between networked devices.

It should be noted that any one of the one or more embodiments of thepresent invention may be implemented in other well-known types of systemarchitecture (or processing environments capable of supporting themethodologies of the various embodiments of the present invention) suchas, for example, peer-to-peer architecture, internet, client/server,hybrid of both, etc. Client/server, peer-to-peer, or hybrid combinationenvironments, database and or application servers, and networks ornetworking in general, including a large variety of protocols used forcommunication and control, translations of signals, and so on are verywell documented in various technical, trade, and patent literature.

Further, it should be noted that any one of the one or more embodimentsof the present invention may also be implemented as a standalone device.For example, a stand-alone computing device 112 such as a mobilesmartphone may also directly communicate with the conventional controlmodule 110 using Bluetooth, Low Energy Bluetooth, Near FieldCommunications (NFC), WiFi, LORA, cellular, and other known protocols inlock system 100 without requiring communications network 102.

Regardless of whether devices 104 or 112 are networked or standalone,upon receipt of unlock transmission signal (i.e., data packet recognizedby control module 110), an electronic latching mechanism 114 is actuatedfrom a latched position to an unlatched position, which enables a userto actuate a keyless smart puck locking assembly 116 from a lockedposition to an unlocked position. Control module 110 transmits anelectrical signal (e.g., a 12 V signal) for actuating electroniclatching mechanism 114. Various other well-known communicationsprotocols may be used between the computing device 104 and controlmodule 110 including for example Bluetooth, near field communication(NFC), GPS, cellular, Bluetooth low energy (BLE), and the like, whichmay also include well-known existing encryption technologies to securecommunications.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a power source 118provides power to control module 110. Power source 118 may include oneor more Alternative Current (AC) sources, Direct Current (DC) sourcessuch as one or more batteries, combinations of both, including use ofwell-known uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems. In general,latching mechanism 114 may include a latch member driven by a solenoid.Further, the manner of delivery of power to latching solenoid foroperation and control may be accomplished by a variety of mechanisms orsystems, including wired, wireless, network based, etc. Lock system 100optionally includes a site integration module 119 in communication withcontrol module 110 using well-known communication protocols such as CAN,Bluetooth, BTLE, WiFi, LORA, cellular, serial, binary switching, SNMP,etc. Integration module 119 interfaces to various security alarms,environmental alarms, networking alarms, gas gauge alarms, videocameras, perimeter security and other related systems.

For example, well-known computing devices (e.g., a mobile computingdevice such as a mobile phone) using well known Bluetooth, Near FieldCommunication (NFC), or other well-known technologies (e.g., locationbased systems) may be used to activate a control module to powerlatching mechanism, which would provide a keyless (wired or wireless)operation. For example, lock system 100 in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the present invention may comprise of a well-knownBluetooth module powered by an internal battery or other power sourcethat may receive control signals from a mobile device in well-knownmanner to enable supply of power to a latching mechanism such as asolenoid.

Lock system 100 may optionally include a backup power source 120 todirectly power control module 110 in case of complete failure of powersource 118 (including UPS systems). Backup power source 120 may bedirectly wired to control module 110 with terminals outside of theenclosure to provide power to control module 110. Once control module110 has power, it is able to receive control signals and data fromcomputing device 104 to actuate latching mechanism 114.

FIGS. 2-11 are non-limiting, exemplary illustrations of keyless smartpuck lock system 100 in accordance with one or more embodiments of thepresent invention. As illustrated in FIG. 2 and further detailed below,one or more non-limiting, exemplary embodiments of the present inventionprovide keyless puck lock system 100 that may be mounted onto anenclosure substrate. System 100 includes an electronic latchingmechanism comprising an electronic puck lock 122 that is mounted andinterlocks with a hasp 124 having a first hasp section 126, a protectiveshroud 127, and a second hasp section 128. Protective shroud 127surrounds puck lock 122 and provides a metal protective barrier tofurther secure lock 122 from outside break attempts to break into anenclosure.

Puck lock 122 further includes a slit 129 that functions as a LEDindicator and/or a RF slit. Slit 129 acting as a LED indicator notifiesusers of specific events such as indicting whether a circuit board inlock 122 is powered on, whether the circuit board has a fault, if thereis an unlock or lock event, whether lock 122 is actively communicatingand transmitting data, a low battery condition, etc. Slit 129 acting asa RF window allows a Bluetooth wireless signal to pass through the metalhousing of lock 122 and surrounding shroud 127. In addition tofunctioning as a pathway through which a Bluetooth wireless signal canpass, slit 129 may also serve as a pathway for other wirelessfrequencies. For example, slit 129 may facilitate bidirectionaltransmission of radio frequency or other electromagnetic frequency.

As indicated above, hasp 124 protects the enclosure from entry while ina lock position and shroud 127 of hasp 124 protects puck lock 122 frompossible attack (by prying, application of torque, etc.).

As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, puck lock 122 detachably engages withhasp 124 and as further detailed below, is latched to locked position bya latching mechanism, which provides a secondary locking strength oflock system 100. The disengagement or unlatching of the latchingmechanism frees puck lock 122 to be rotated to an unlocked position.Once rotated to an unlocked position, puck lock 122 may be removed fromhasp 124 to enable access to the enclosure interior. According to anembodiment, hasp 124 may comprise a hinge such that hasp 124 may berotated about a hinged axis to enable access to the enclosed interior.

Hasp 124 may be comprised of metal or alloys thereof such as steel orother strong metal such as aluminum that provide reinforcement for addedstructural integrity in terms of structural strength to which hasp 124is physically, mechanically connected such as a wall, door, lid orcabinet.

As further detailed below, both hasp plates 126 and 128 along withsurrounding shroud 127 provide a barrier to limit access to puck lock122. Access is limited to surfaces of puck lock 122 against physicalattack by application of levered and or torque force. For example, if arigid bar is used to apply a levered force, one end of that rigid barmust somehow be mechanically contacted with a surface of the interlockmechanism to provide sufficient force to pry out the interlockmechanism. As another example, if a torque force is applied to rotatethe interlock mechanism, then the tool used to apply the torque forcemust somehow mechanically contact with a surface of the interlockmechanism.

In the preferred invention, surrounding shroud 127 comprises a pair ofshrouds 130 that strategically surround lock 122, thereby providing verylimited physical access to surfaces that may potentially be used toapply forces, for example levered or torque forces. Of course, shrouds130 provide sufficient access to puck lock 122 to allow for mounting andremoval of lock 122 without the use of tools. Users can grasp onto pucklock 122 and properly mount and unlock/lock puck lock 122, and dismountpuck lock 122, but little room is provided to fit any type of tool toaccess lock 122.

As illustrated in FIGS. 3-4, first hasp plate 126 and second hasp plate128 each include a series of mounting holes 132 to attach plates 126 and128 to an enclosure substrate. Each hasp plate 126 and 128 furtherincludes a hasp portion 134 with apertures 136 that align vertically fora bolt of puck lock 122 to pass therethrough. Hasp portions 134 areintegrally formed with first hasp plate 126 and second hasp plate 128.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, lock 122 is seated withinsurrounding protective shroud 127 and a locking bolt in lock 122 isinserted through apertures 136 to lock puck lock 122 onto plates 126 and128. According to an embodiment, plates 126 and 128 may be rotatablycoupled via the use of a hinge. Lock 122 may be either fully detachedfrom plates 126 and 128, or alternatively, lock 122 may be permanentlyaffixed to one of the plates for convenience. For example, in anembodiment where plates 126 and 128 are rotatably coupled via the use ofa hinge, lock 122 may be mounted and secured to plate 126 using a pairof mounting screws 138 projecting outwardly from the surface of plate126. Screws 138 engage a pair of threaded bores 144 (FIG. 5) formed onthe rear side of lock 122. Once screws 138 are inserted intocorresponding threaded bores 144 on lock 122, lock 122 is permanentlyattached to hasp 126.

In the preferred embodiment of the current invention, hasp 124 can beconfigured to simply support a mechanical puck lock or an electronicsmart puck lock. Hasp 124 may optionally include a combination RF/IRcircuit board 140 that is covered with an epoxy to provide protectionfrom moisture, debris and force while being able to transmit/receivedata and power. Board 140 provides power with RF and data transmissionvia RF/IR to and from the puck lock 122 communicating various eventsbetween the puck lock and the site.

When lock 122 is secured on hasp 124, RF/IR circuit board 140 directlycommunicates with lock 122 based on close proximity of board 140 to aRF/IR circuit board 146 (FIG. 5) embedded within lock 122 with directline of sight. Positioning of lock 122 within surrounding shroud 127 ofhasp 124 ensures consistent placement/distance and alignment of RF/IRcircuit board 146 of lock 122 with RF/IR circuit board 140 on hasp 124.

In conventional use, it would be difficult to use a puck lock to secureenclosures that contained wires. The preferred embodiment of the currentinvention addresses this issue by providing puck lock 122 with wirelesspower and data transmission for easier, quicker and more reliableconnections between an enclosure door and lock 122. Hasp 124 serves asthe protected wireless connection point for portable security puck lock122 to directly wirelessly power lock 122 and wirelessly transmit datato and from lock 122. As illustrated in FIG. 4, a power and datatransmission cable 142 is attached to RF/IR circuit board 140 of hasp124 to power transmission circuit board 140 and communicate with pucklock 122.

FIG. 5 illustrates a back side 148 of smart puck lock 122 includingthreaded bores 144 to permanently attach lock 122 to hasp 124. A topsurface 156 of RF/IR circuit board 146 is planar with back surface 148of lock 122 wherein RF/IR circuit board 146 is encased with epoxy toprotect board 146. Board 146 may also include a set of mechanicalcontact points 158 that align with mechanical contact points on hasp124. Contact points 158 may be used to transmit power and data to lock122.

As described above, board 146 aligns with board 140 for direct line ofsight for power and data transmission. A locking bolt 152 retractablypasses through a window 154 formed through the body of lock 122. Aheating element 150 with an integral resistive temperature device (RTD)is inside the body of lock 122 to selectively heat the battery andmechanical components inside lock 122 when the temperature threshold isexceeded so the battery and locking mechanisms continue to function asdesigned without malfunctioning due to freezing temperatures, ice,moisture, etc.

FIGS. 6-7 illustrate lock 122 powered by a battery 170 (FIG. 9) seatedwithin a cavity within lock 122. The lock battery 170 is replaced byremoving a battery door 160. Lock 122 further includes a stepped rearplate 162 having a shelf 164 with a carve out portion for removal ofbattery door 160 to replace lock batteries. FIG. 7 illustrates abattery-powered lock 122 without the stepped rear plate 162 with shelf164. Stepped rear plate 162 allows puck lock 122 to secure to aconventional padlock hasp designed to receive a traditional padlockU-shaped shackle. In the current embodiment of the present invention,lock 122 is configured to receive interchangeable rear plates includingplates with a shelf 164, a RF/IR circuit board 146 and a battery door160 (with no shelf 164).

FIG. 8 illustrates lock 122 in an unlocked state and FIG. 9 illustrateslock 122 in a locked state. In particular, when lock 122 is in anunlocked state, lock bolt 152 protrudes out the bottom of lock 122. Aspring 166 is wound around the bottom portion of lock bolt 152 topositively bias bolt 152 away from lock 122. Lock 122 is locked bypushing on an end cap 168 of bolt 152 in an upward direction towardslock 122 against the force of spring 166. As illustrated in FIG. 9, astop 172 limits the extension of lock bolt 152 out of lock 122. Stop 172may also be formed as a magnetic ring around bolt 152 that passes by aHall effect sensor 173 to indicate the state or position of bolt 152.

FIG. 10 illustrates an intelligent sensor system that is capable ofunderstanding the state of the shackle bolt 152, a blocker 184 and theposition of lock 122 on hasp 124. A bolt head 194 of lock bolt 152 isseated within a cavity 188 formed in lock body 174 and abuts a positionswitch system 196 when bolt head 194 is fully inserted within lock 122.A motor is attached to a cam 176 having an arm 178 that rotates in aclockwise direction to push blocker arm 180 away from lock bolt 152against a spring 182 positively biasing blocker 184 forward into acavity 188 formed by a tampered section 192 of lock bolt 152. A bottomportion 190 of lock bolt 152 has the same circumference as bolt head194. At least one pair of blocker magnets 186 in blocker 184 and theirrespective Hall effect sensors indicate whether blocker 184 is in alocked or unlocked position. When lock bolt 152 is pushed into the lockbody of lock 122, bolt head 194 pushes against a rounded surface 189 ofblocker 184 to laterally move blocker 184 against the force of spring182. Once lock bolt 152 pushes blocker 184 out of cavity 188, the forceof spring 182 pushes blocker 184 into cavity 188 against tapered portion192 of lock bolt 152. With this configuration, lock 122 does not requireany power to fully engage lock bolt 152 into a locked state, therebysaving battery power while still allowing lock 122 to secure anenclosure.

In FIG. 11, position switch system 196 includes a position switchactuator 206 coupled to a bottom position switch 204, a position switchactuator 198 coupled to a top position switch 200, and a flexiblesubstrate 208 connected therebetween. The force required to actuate topposition switch 200 is greater than the force required to actuate bottomposition switch 204 based on the force exerted from bolt head 194 whenlock bolt 152 is pushed upwardly into lock 122. In operation, bottomposition switch 204 indicates a locked position and top position switch200 is used to power on or wake up control module 110 which requires auser exerting additional force on lock bolt 152 when locking lock 122.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-11, the preferred embodiment of the presentinvention provides a sensing system capable of determining the positionof blocker 184 based on magnets 186, whether lock bolt 152 is in alocked, unlocked, or power on/wakeup state, the position of puck lock122 based on alignment of lock RF/IR circuit board 146 with hasp RF/IRcircuit board 140.

Although the invention has been described in considerable detail inlanguage specific to structural features and or method acts, it is to beunderstood that the invention defined in the appended claims is notnecessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather,the specific features and acts are disclosed as exemplary preferredforms of implementing the claimed invention. Stated otherwise, it is tobe understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein, aswell as the abstract, are for the purpose of description and should notbe regarded as limiting.

Further, the specification is not confined to the disclosed embodiments.Therefore, while exemplary illustrative embodiments of the inventionhave been described, numerous variations and alternative embodimentswill occur to those skilled in the art. Such variations and alternateembodiments are contemplated, and can be made without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention.

It should further be noted that throughout the entire disclosure, thelabels such as left, right, front, back, top, inside, outside, bottom,forward, reverse, clockwise, counter clockwise, up, down, or othersimilar terms such as upper, lower, aft, fore, vertical, horizontal,oblique, proximal, distal, parallel, perpendicular, transverse,longitudinal, etc. have been used for convenience purposes only and arenot intended to imply any particular fixed direction, orientation, orposition. Instead, they are used to reflect relative locations/positionsand/or directions/orientations between various portions of an object.

In addition, reference to “first,” “second,” “third,” and etc. membersthroughout the disclosure (and in particular, claims) is not used toshow a serial or numerical limitation but instead is used to distinguishor identify the various members of the group.

Further the terms “a” and “an” throughout the disclosure (and inparticular, claims) do not denote a limitation of quantity, but ratherdenote the presence of at least one of the referenced items.

In addition, any element in a claim that does not explicitly state“means for” performing a specified function, or “step for” performing aspecific function, is not to be interpreted as a “means” or “step”clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. Section 112, Paragraph 6. Inparticular, the use of “step of,” “act of,” “operation of,” or“operational act of” in the claims herein is not intended to invoke theprovisions of 35 U.S.C. 112, Paragraph 6.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electronic lock apparatus comprising: a lockportion comprising a locking mechanism, a controller, a battery, awireless communications interface, and a first wireless power interface;and a hasp portion selectively coupled to the lock portion andcomprising a second wireless power interface, wherein the controller isoperably engaged with the wireless communications interface to receive awireless transmission signal from at least one mobile electronic deviceand actuate the locking mechanism from a locked state to an unlockedstate in response to processing the wireless transmission signal,wherein the first wireless power interface of the lock portion isoperably engaged with the second wireless power interface of the haspportion to provide a wireless charging interface for the battery.
 2. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein the hasp portion further comprises a secondwireless communications interface.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2 whereinthe controller is configured to configure a data transfer interfacebetween the wireless communications interface of the lock portion andthe second wireless communications interface of the hasp portion.
 4. Theapparatus of claim 3 wherein the controller is configured to configurethe data transfer interface between the wireless communicationsinterface of the lock portion and the second wireless communicationsinterface of the hasp portion according to a proximity of the lockportion to the hasp portion.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein thelock portion further comprises a heating element operably engaged withthe controller and the battery.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1 furthercomprising at least one sensor communicably engaged with the controllerand configured to communicate a sensor input to the controller, thesensor input being associated with a lock state of the lockingmechanism.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the controller isconfigured to configure a wireless data transfer interface with the atleast one mobile electronic device via the wireless communicationsinterface.
 8. An electronic lock apparatus comprising: a lock portioncomprising a locking mechanism, a controller, a battery, a wirelesscommunications interface, and a first wireless power interface; and ahasp portion selectively coupled to the lock portion and comprising asecond wireless power interface, wherein the first wireless powerinterface of the lock portion is operably engaged with the secondwireless power interface of the hasp portion to provide a wirelesscharging interface for the battery.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8 whereinthe lock portion further comprises an RF circuit board operably engagedwith the controller and the battery.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9wherein the RF circuit board further comprises an IR circuit board. 11.The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the RF circuit board further comprisesone or more mechanical contact points.
 12. The apparatus of claim 8wherein the hasp portion further comprises a first hasp section and asecond hasp section configured to define a hinge.
 13. The apparatus ofclaim 8 wherein the controller is communicably engaged with the wirelesscommunications interface to receive a transmission signal from a mobileelectronic device and actuate the locking mechanism from a locked stateto an unlocked state in response to processing the transmission signal.14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the controller is configured toconfigure a wireless data transfer interface with the mobile electronicdevice via the wireless communications interface.
 15. An electronic lockapparatus comprising: a lock portion comprising a locking mechanism, acontroller, a battery, a first wireless communications interface, and afirst wireless power interface; and a hasp portion selectively coupledto the lock portion and comprising a second wireless power interface anda second wireless communications interface, wherein the controller iscommunicably engaged with the wireless communications interface toreceive a transmission signal from a mobile electronic device andactuate the locking mechanism from a locked state to an unlocked statein response to processing the transmission signal, wherein the firstwireless power interface of the lock portion is operably engaged withthe second wireless power interface of the hasp portion to provide awireless charging interface for the battery, wherein the controller isconfigured to configure a data transfer interface between the firstwireless communications interface of the lock portion and the secondwireless communications interface of the hasp portion.
 16. The apparatusof claim 15 wherein the lock portion further comprises an RF circuitboard operably engaged with the controller and the battery.
 17. Theapparatus of claim 16 wherein the RF circuit board further comprises anIR circuit board.
 18. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein the RF circuitboard further comprises one or more mechanical contact points.
 19. Theapparatus of claim 15 wherein the hasp portion further comprises a poweror data transmission cable operably engaged with the second wirelesscommunications interface and the second wireless power interface. 20.The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the lock portion further comprises aheating element operably engaged with the controller and the battery.